Description
Baked Feta with Olives & Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings together the creamy tang of feta cheese with the robust flavors of olives and sun-dried tomatoes. This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate a warm, savory appetizer that combines simple ingredients with rich, complex flavors.
Ingredients
8-ounce block feta cheese
1 cup pitted olives, drained
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
⅓ cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
Kosher salt
Fresh cracked pepper
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Sliced French bread or crostini, for serving
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Prepare the Dish: Place the feta block in the center of a small baking dish. Arrange the olives and sun-dried tomatoes around the feta.
Mix the Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Add Seasonings to Feta: Drizzle the seasoned olive oil mixture over the feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Bake: Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 20 minutes. For a golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the baked feta. Serve warm with slices of French bread or crostini for dipping.
Notes
- Preparation Time: Including preparation and baking, expect to spend about 25 minutes on this recipe.
- Serving Size: This recipe serves up to 8 people as an appetizer.
- Equipment Needed: You will need a small baking dish, a mixing bowl, and basic kitchen utensils for this recipe.
- Ingredient Substitutions:
- Feta: If feta is too tangy for your taste, try substituting with a milder goat cheese or creamy halloumi.
- Olives: For a different flavor profile, consider using black olives or a mix of green and black olives.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: If fresh tomatoes are preferred, cherry tomatoes can be used as a substitute, though they should be added towards the end of the baking process to prevent overcooking.
- Additional Tips:
- Enhance the dish by adding a sprinkle of chili flakes or a drizzle of honey before serving for a spicy or sweet twist, respectively.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure that the accompanying bread is also gluten-free, or serve with gluten-free crackers.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a light-bodied white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Rosé, which complements the salty and tangy flavors of the feta and olives.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American